How to Secure Items in a Shadow Box

Creating a shadow box is like making a three-dimensional scrapbook. Mementos, treasures, christening gowns and football jerseys are all items you might find hanging on a wall in a shadow box. There are several ways to secure items in a shadow box, depending on the weight and dimensions of the item. Fabric is simple to secure with pins, but a heavy medal or glass object may need a strong auto adhesive. Whatever you decide to place in your shadow box, there is a way to secure it.

Things You'll Need

• Velcro
• Pins
• Command strips
• Auto adhesive

Instructions

1. Buy a roll of Velcro and cut a piece to fit the back of a medium- to lightweight, non-fabric item. Peel the Velcro apart and place half on the item and the other half on the felt backing of your shadow box. Place the Velcro back together and stand the backboard up to make sure your trinket stays put. Add more than one section of Velcro to carry a heavier object.

2. Place straight pins or safety pins through the felt backing of the shadow box, then through the underneath of a fabric item. The pins should not be visible and will secure the fabric in place. For larger fabric displays like a Christening gown, pin each shoulder and the two bottom corners of the gown to keep it displayed properly.

3. Attach Command Strip picture hangers to the back of a medium to heavy item you'd like to display. The strips are packaged by weight, so purchase the size and strength to fit your treasure. These strips remove easily with no damage to the felt or the secured shadow box item. Follow the manufacturer's directions for applying the strips.

4. Pinch a small amount of auto adhesive and roll it between your fingers to activate it. This rubbery substance will hold some of your heaviest items securely in the shadow box, but the adhesive is not easily removed from your item or the felt. Press the adhesive to the back of the item you wish to display, and then press it against the felt backing. Hold the item in place for a few minutes, in accordance with the directions on the package.

Tips & Warnings

• For a vintage-themed shadow box, use an old brooch to pin items onto the felt backboard.

• Always stand the backboard upright after you've secured the items to make sure they stay in place.